Review: PDP Gaming Wired ‘Phantom Black’ Controller for Xbox One and Windows 10

Sean McCarthy
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Review: PDP Gaming Wired ‘Phantom Black’ Controller for Xbox One and Windows 10

Following our reviews of the excellent PDP Level 50 Wireless Headsets for both PS4 and Xbox One, it is time to take a look at something else that I feel most gamers would benefit from, the PDP range of wired controllers for Xbox One. I am taking a look at the PDP Stealth Series: Phantom Black Wired Controller for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC.

When I attended the PDP Winter Showcase for their range of products, it was the wired controllers for the Xbox One that really grabbed my attention. At first, I genuinely thought they were actual full-bodied Xbox One controllers, visually they looked almost identical to the normal wireless controllers you would be used too but to my surprise, I learned they were actually wired controllers all be it with some additional PDP Gaming common sense functionality. So let’s take a look at what to expect from this controller once out of the box:

Features:

  • 5 mm headset jack with onboard audio controls
  • Dual textured trigger and shoulder buttons
  • Compatible with Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Windows
  • Dual rumble motors
  • Detachable 8’ cable

I have always believed that all gamers should have a go to spare controller, either just to have as a backup controller or one for a younger gamer if you perhaps do not want them handling your more expensive controllers or in my case, having a spare controller you can let that one friend of yours who happens to rage at every game they lose be it FIFA at 3am after a night out or those fighting games that can really grind down your favourite controller of choice.

For me, this is where wired controllers are perfect as they are considerably cheaper than a full controller, great to have as a spare whenever you need one plus having the nice piece of mind that a backup controller is just close to hand. Where I think PDP Gaming has taken this to another level is that they have really added an extra tier of common sense functionality to their range both visually and in how it functions, to make them your next purchase. Starting with their Stealth Series of wire controllers, the ‘Phantom Black’ has a nice combat camouflage look to it, something that mirrors the official Xbox One wireless controllers to a tee. You can feel the raised pattern if you run your fingers across the surface and it looks great when you move the controller and catch the light with it.

It is a very light controller due to not having all the technical hardware for Bluetooth and wireless as well as not having a traditional battery pack due to being a wired controller. This can take a little while to get used to if you have not used a wired controller before. This is something I think makes this a great controller for a younger gamer in your household potentially but it can feel a little fragile in an adult’s hand. The 8’ cable is very generous allowing use quite far away from the actual console as well but of course, not as wide ranging as a wireless controller. Simply plug the cable into any USB port on your Xbox One OG/S/X console and the controller is ready to go with the profile you have signed in as on the console. The Xbox button on the controller will bring up the guide for normal Xbox guide button service though I did find I had to mash down a little hard to get it to respond.

The thumbsticks feel really great as well as do the face buttons on the controller. Triggers and shoulder bumper buttons also felt very responsive and didn’t have that cheap springy feel or sound that other wired controllers can suffer from. The attempt to add some extra grip to the triggers and shoulder buttons with the “dual textured” design is noticeable but for me, didn’t really add anything extra to avoid “sweaty finger” slippage when in the middle of a chaotic game of COD MW for example but the feel does match the overall texture of the controller with the camouflage design on the front.

Where this controller does stand out is how it does a nice extra little trick for those who use headsets by adding some additional functionality for audio controls via the controller. Just below the right thumbstick is a clever little button, tapping it twice will mute your headset, holding it down and pressing left or right on the D-Pad will raise or lower volume levels or by pressing up and down it will adjust game and chat voice mixer levels. I really found this to be a nice sensible addition to the controller features, especially as someone who for a good portion of the time when I game, I am using a set of earbuds instead of a headset, which just happen to have no inline controls on them, which now with this wired controller, I actually can. PDP Gaming’s focus on common sense features is something that impressed me with their range of headsets and by including it with their wired controller range really does help and offer something extra that other brands do not.

What I did find to be a big surprise with this controller was in discovering that there is a full-on PDP Gaming Hub app that you can download on both your Xbox One console and Windows 10 device, that will allow you to do a variety of things with the controller. This is a free app to download and it allows you to not only calibrate the thumbsticks to a setting you prefer but also to remap buttons as well as running diagnostics in case you fear something has gone wrong with the controller allowing you to get the help you need from support much faster by actually being able to test the controller yourself with the hub. Being able to set a profile of sorts by setting the audio levels I want from my headset with the controller, to remapping the buttons should I need to is something I would never have expected to be able to do with a simple wired controller. The hub works with a wide range of PDP Gaming controllers and just elevates it to another level for me.

I really liked the Phantom Black wired controller, visually it looks great and performance whise it held up really well with the heavy-duty games I play on Xbox One from Borderlands 3 to COD Modern Warfare to fighting games like For Honor and Dragon Ball FighterZ. It will not replace my main controller but as a backup and spare, this is essential to have alongside your console or Windows 10 laptop or PC.

This would also make a superb stocking filler for any gamer you know approaching the holidays, with the functionality and build quality you get for the price, this really stands out for me as a wired controller.

PS Plus Titles for December Revealed

Sean McCarthy
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PS Plus Titles for December Revealed

PlayStation have revealed the PS Plus free titles for December 2019 on PS4:

Kicking off with Titanfall 2 – become a mech-piloting, parkour-ing hero, boasting a very celebrated single player campaign and Multiplayer mode.

Then prepare to race in the dirt with Monster Energy Supercross The Official Videogame – show off your wheelie good motorbike skills on this challenging racer.

PS Plus titles are valid for all accounts with a valid PlayStation Plus subscription.

Xbox Games with Gold Lineup for December 2019 Announced

Sean McCarthy
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Xbox Games with Gold Lineup for December 2019 Announced

December’s Games with Gold Line up has been revealed by Xbox and oh it is a gooden to end the year on:

In December on Xbox One, play the unique card battler Insane Robots and then bring the wonder and majesty of dinosaurs to life in Jurassic World Evolution. On Xbox 360, and Xbox One via Backward Compatibility, unleash your imagination in Toy Story 3 then continue the fight against Dracula in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate HD.

All games will be available exclusively for Xbox Live Gold members for a limited time as part of Games with Gold.

A Closer Look at Halo Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Halo Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys

We take a closer look at the Halo Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys.

Cable guy styled on Master Chief From Halo Clsssic – our original IP 8” tall and coming with a 2 metre USB C cable for charging your device. Compatible with Playstation controllers, Xbox controllers and most smartphones.

A Closer Look

The Cable Guy Halo Holder costs £19.99 from Zavvi.

Review: PDP Gaming’s LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset for Xbox One

Sean McCarthy
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Review: PDP Gaming’s LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset for Xbox One

Following up my review of the PDP Gaming LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset for the PlayStation 4, now comes the review of its twin, the LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset for Xbox One. I was hugely impressed with the PS4 headset with its simplicity and focus on performance and common-sense features over something with more bells and whistles, the LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset instantly became my favourite mid-tier headset for PS4, but can the Xbox One version do the same

https://youtu.be/7PK6MRlG1AE

I should start off by what you actually get in the box itself, so unsurprisingly you will find the Level 50 Wireless Headset itself, the USB Wireless Dongle and a rather generously long 12-meter USB cable for charging. The packaging itself certainly does the job as the box is branded to Xbox One traditional green. As with the PlayStation 4 LEVE 50 Wireless Headset, it would have been nice if the interior holder was painted in the same box colour instead of the generic brown cardboard but that is just a personal niggle with the presentation as it would have popped a lot more when opening the box to have something that grabs your attention rather than a very bland and cheap looking internal packaging but with that in mind, let us take a look at the specs of the Level 50 Wireless headset.

Specs:

  • 50mm Neodymium Drivers
  • Breathable mesh ear cushions
  • Easily Accessible Volume Dial on right ear cup
  • Audio Mixer for Game/Chat on left ear cup
  • Bi-directional noise cancelling microphone with passive noise filter
  • Quick Flip Mute: Microphone is Muted when the Mic Boom is flipped up
  • Officially licensed, meaning arduous testing to meet first party quality standards.

Being almost identical to the PS4 version, I am still hugely impressed by the build quality for this mid-tier gaming headset. The big focus on simplicity is still the best way to describe this headset and it begins with the full-on plastic feel to the headset. It does feel especially ‘plasticky’ as well to the touch but what I also was surprised about was just how light this headset really is which I find to be incredible in a wireless headset. The inner ear cups are coloured in branded Xbox green and as with the PS4 version, am still a little disappointed that there is no Xbox brand logo or imagery on the actual headset or inner ear cushions, again not a big deal and is still just my pickiness for presentation being a little triggered. The surprise aspect to the build of this headset that I really like is the headband bar between the ear cups is designed to be bendy, making it very hard to snap this headset, something other headsets that are simple pieces clipped together can do. Showcasing this during a live stream to viewers in chat and the reaction to me bending the headband surprised a good number of them. The extreme durability of the Level 50 because of this unique feature is a great example of the common sense design over adding flashy aesthetics.

The theme of common sense continues into the features of this headset as well. Normally on a wireless headset, a lot of the basics such as volume control and mic mute button, are tiny buttons located on one of the ear cups making it quite often a fiddly and cumbersome process to do simple basic things like volume. The Level 50 for Xbox One does three very simple common-sense things as a headset which I feel does make it stand out even more. First the mic itself has a long  boom arm attached to the left ear cup and while at first it does look a little too long, the arm allows you to position the mic exactly where you want it to be and never once feeling like you are over doing it or that the mic arm could break.

The mic itself is great quality, both streaming and in gaming party chat, my viewers and teammates could hear me clearly during chaotic games like Borderlands 3, CoD Modern Warfare. Muting the mic is also another great common-sense design feature with the simplicity of simply raising the mic arm fully until you can hear an audio cue but can only feel it click into an upright position to know it is locked and muted meaning no more looking for that red light that normally shows that the mic is actually muted and no tiny button to try and quickly locate to activate it. I simply love this aspect to the Level 50 and no longer would suffer the missed button or “forgot to mute the mic” moments either on stream or during MP sessions with friends. The headset power button is situation behind the mic arm on the left ear cup with the EQ Mode button next to it which can switch from a more balanced audio level to a more bass focused level, the sound did sound great with either mode but I found using the more bass focused mode serving better with the bombastic games I tested the Level 50 with.

Volume control is another example of the common sense approach to the Level 50 with a volume dial placed on the right ear cup which uses the old school style of a “dial knob” instead of a button system. I have always found managing volume on a wireless headset to be pretty annoying when having to find the volume control buttons. Instead, this dial brilliantly does exactly what you need it to do and its basic granted but, sometimes if basic gets the job done, basic will do. Unlike the PS4 version, this Xbox headset has an additional Game to Party mixer dial on the left ear cup which works incredibly well and is a really great extra features as usually you would have to go into the Xbox audio settings to make adjustments which is  time consuming especially when in a frantic MP game. All these features scream simplicity at me which is exactly how I feel about this headset for both the PS4 and Xbox One consoles, it gets the job done at a level that is huge value for the price tag without forking out more just for bells and whistles.

This brings me nicely to the main feature of this headset, the Wireless connection. Like the Level 50 for PS4, this Xbox headset uses a USB dongle to serve as the wireless transmitter for the console, it Is quite a large dongle which will be very visible on the console itself particularly if you use the front USB port on the Xbox One X. But the beauty of this method is that plugging in the dongle to the console makes it detect the headset wirelessly once turned on. The plug and play aspect to this headset is really impressive and just so efficient, removing the need to faff about syncing the headset to the console, each time I used it, it simply connected first time every time. I was again really impressed with the headset charging wise, the 12m USB cable that comes with the headset is brilliant for just connecting and putting away the headset to the console or any available USB port on a device on standby. It took only a few hours to fully charge the headset out the box, and just as I tested the PS4 version,  I left the headset on and idle for a full day and it still had a good charge for a 3 hour COD MW session the next day. The range of the wireless signal is also very good, I live in a flat and from my gaming room I was able to go to my kitchen and bedroom on opposite sides of my gaming room and did not lose signal which is impressive because I can lose Bluetooth connection just going into my kitchen.

Final Thoughts

The Level 50 Wireless Headset is a brilliant bit of kit for those looking for the benefits of a wireless gaming headset on a sensible budget for users of both PS4 and Xbox One consoles. There is a wired version that has the same features other than being wireless for a cheaper price but I was really impressed with the wireless model. Sound is great and it does exactly what you need it to do with simplicity at its foundation and an excellent battery and charge life to ensure this headset is good to go whenever you need it. The LEVEL 50 Wireless Headset is a superb example of PDP Gaming making a large enough statement to stand in the middle of a crowded gaming headset market with a headset that punches above its weight and is definitely worthy of being checked out for its reliability and common-sense features.

As we approach the holiday season, the LEVEL 50 Headset for both Xbox One and PS4 is something any console gamer would appreciate and though visually it might not grab your attention right away, the quality in the performance will make a statement right away.

 

A Closer Look at Deadpool Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Deadpool Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys

We take a closer look at the Deadpool Phone and Controller Holder from Cable Guys.

Cable guy designed on Deadpool, 8” tall and coming with a 2 metre Type C USB cable for charging your device.

Compatible with Playstation controllers, Xbox controllers and most smartphones.

A Closer Look

The Cable Guy Deadpool Holder costs £19.99 from Zavvi.

One Piece Pirate Warriors Release Date Confirmed for March 2020

Sean McCarthy
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One Piece Pirate Warriors Release Date Confirmed for March 2020

Bandai Namco have confirmed that One Piece Pirate Warriors 4, will be available from March 27th 2020 on PlayStation4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Players that preorder the game will also be rewarded with an early unlock of the Vinsmoke Brothers (Ichiji, Niji and Yonji) and 2 exclusive costumes to be revealed at a later date.

For the most dedicated European fans, Bandai Namco also revealed the Kaido Edition, that will include in addition to the game an exclusive diorama portraying the epic clash between Luffy and Kaido.

As a last gift for all players, new addition costumes have been announced and will be free from launch day of four iconic Wano costumes:

  • Luffytaro (Luffy)
  • Zorojuro (Zoro)
  • Soba Mask (Sanji)
  • Onami (Nami)

As previously stated, One Piece Pirate Warriors 4  will feature an original ending as the manga is still running.

GAME Reveal ‘Black Friday Deals’

Sean McCarthy
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GAME Reveal ‘Black Friday Deals’

It is that time of year again when bargain hunters start rubbing their hands as ‘Black Friday’ approaches and GAME have some amazing Black Friday deals on games, consoles and accessories.

Check out the deals below and see if any catch your eye as we approach Christmas or if you have been waiting to pick up a new console deal!

PS4

  • PS4 Pro FIFA 20 + Now TV £299.99 (SAVE £50)
  • PS4 Pro COD Modern Warfare + Now TV £299.99 (SAVE £50)
  • PS4 Pro Death Stranding Limited Edition £329.99 (SAVE £50)

NINTENDO SWITCH

  • Nintendo Switch Lite £189.99 (SAVE £10)
  • Nintendo Switch Lite + Mario and Rabbids OR LEGO Jurassic World £204.99 (SAVE £10)
  • Nintendo Switch Lite + Pokemon Sword/Shield OR Luigi’s Mansion OR Mario Kart 8 £229.99 (SAVE £10)
  • Nintendo Switch + LABO Varity OR Robot kit £279.99 (SAVE £44)
  • Nintendo Switch + LABO Vehicle kit OR Mario and Rabbids OR Lego Jurassic World £289.99 (SAVE up to £34)
  • Nintendo Switch + Pokemon Sword/Shield OR Luigi’s Mansion OR Mario Kart 8 £309.99 (SAVE £10)

XBOX ONE

  • XBOX One X 1TB HYPERSPACE SPECIAL EDITION CONSOLE + NOW TV – £299.99 SAVE £150 – EXCLUSIVE
  • 1TB Xbox One X Forza Horizon 4 LEGO® Speed Champions Bundle + McLarren Senna LEGO Toy + Now TV – £299.99 SAVE £150
  • XBOX One X with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle + NOW TV – £299.99 SAVE £150
  • XBOX One X with Gears 5 Limited Edition+ NOW TV – £299.99 SAVE £150
  • XBOX One X with Gears 5 + NOW TV – £299.99 SAVE £150

GAMES All PS4 games here, Xbox games here and Switch games here

Deals available on the following products and more – WWE 2K20 Standard Edition, NBA 2K20, Borderlands 3, F1 2019, Red Dead Redemption 2, Outer Worlds, GR BREAKPOINT, Overwatch Legendary, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Spyro Reignited

ACCESSORIES – Check out all the deals here Deals available on the following products and more – Gioteck VX-4 Wired Controller, Turtle Beach Recon 50X Headset, MSE T 105 IZZA ILLUMINATED GAM, KB TRUST GXT 830RW AVONN GAMIN, Basilisk, Ornata Chroma – UK Layout, Kraken Tournament Ed, PS Gold Headset Fortnite, CLOUD Stinger Headset, ARCTIS 1 WIRELESS

Review: Pokémon Shield

Diogo Miguel
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Review: Pokémon Shield

If there are game franchises that gamers will know about regardless of their ages, then Pokémon is most definitely one of them. Pokémon has been around for so long and yet it’s one of those games that can appeal to anyone regardless of age. Although the franchise has dabbled in the 3D world with various outings on Nintendo hardware, Pokémon Sword and Shield are the first games to truly offer a proper 3D adventure and on a handheld/console hybrid no less.

Continue

Review: Capcom’s Street Fighter II Championship Cabinet from Arcade1Up

Andrew Edney
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Review: Capcom’s Street Fighter II Championship Cabinet from Arcade1Up

It’s time to review Capcom’s Street Fighter II Championship Cabinet from Arcade1Up.

Ready to FIGHT? Perfect for when your friends are over, the two-player joystick/button configuration brings the Street Fighter ll Champion Edition arcade experience into your home or office. Street Fighter ll Champion Edition is a mix of combat, skill and strategy. It’s important to know when to block, jump, grapple, punch or kick your opponent. Fight against the computer or your friends, and perfect your own fighting style by mixing in creative combinations.

The Street Fighter Cabinet includes the following games:

  • Street Fighter II Championship Edition
  • Super Street Fighter II The New Challengers
  • Super Street Fighter II Turbo

Specification

  • Classic upright “Cabinet” design
  • 3 Games in 1 (Street Fighter ll Champion Edition, Street Fighter ll The New Challengers, Street Fighter ll Turbo)
  • Upgraded 17″ Color LCD screen
  • Real feel arcade controls
  • Original Artwork
  • Coinless operation
  • Volume control
  • On Screen Game Selection Menu
  • Plugs into an AC outlet

Size specs

  • Dimensions: 45.8 H” x 22.75 D” x 19 W”
  • Weight: 58.5 lbs

Arcade1Up machines stand at just under 4ft, each housing different classic arcade games, which come with immersive full-color hi-resolution displays and sounds. The cabinets also resemble the classic arcade joystick and button configuration you remember. Additional add-ons include a stool and riser– fully equipping users for endless hours of gaming!

Final Thoughts

As a kid I spent hours upon hours in arcades playing on different machines, feeding in my 10p’s (yes, I am that old that the machines were 10p a go) and watching other people play when my money ran out.

I’ve always wanted my own arcade machine at home and Arcade1Up provide just that – an arcade machine for your home. These are 3/4 scale replica copies of the original arcade cabinets, although if you add the optional riser they become full size. They include all the original artwork, authentic controls (depending on your chosen machine) and come with multiple titles.

In the case of this review, we were provided with Capcom’s Street Fighter II Championship Cabinet which has three different Street Fighter II games built-in.

The moment I switched on the machine I was instantly transported back to my childhood and those arcades. The look, the feel, the controls, the graphics, the sounds, it was all there in front of me again, only this time I didn’t need any 10p’s!

The games are a perfect replica of those original arcade games and Arcade1Up have done a fantastic job of recreating not only the cabinet, but also the feeling I got as a kid – so well done Arcade1Up!

If you have the space and you want your very own arcade cabinet at home, then you should take a look at the range of arcade cabinets from Arcade1Up, you won’t be disappointed. I wonder which one I might get next!

Capcom’s Street Fighter II Championship Cabinet is available now priced at £349 without the optional riser.

You can learn more from the Arcade1Up.com website where you can also check out all the other cool retro arcade machines.

Review: Landrover Defender – Classic Pedal Powered Car from Kids@Play

Andrew Edney
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Review: Landrover Defender – Classic Pedal Powered Car from Kids@Play

With Christmas fast approaching, we review the Landrover Defender – Classic Pedal Powered Car from Kids@Play.

This is how Toys@Play describe it:

“Toys you aspire to own – this is the pedal Landrover Defender finished in the original Landrover blue with cream wheels. A joy to work on and based on the kids reaction a joy to drive in! Significant time and effort has gone into recreating this iconic vehicle in miniature for budding adventurers to drive.”

Features

  • Pedal Power with anti-slip pedals
  • Official licence with Land Rover
  • For use indoors and out
  • Comfortable seat
  • Pretend wing mirrors

Specification

H 54 x W 51 x D 100cm

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Landrover Defender comes in a  good size box and needs assembling. Thankfully that process only takes about 20 minutes or so as all the major part are already fitted together. You just need to fit the wheels, the seat, the steering wheel, the front window and mirrors.

Everything you need to do that is included in the box with the exception of a screwdriver, there’s even a tool to tighten the wheel nuts in there!

There are two levers in the car – one that controls the brake, and another that controls the type of movement. The peddles are easy to use and have a non-slip coating to make them easier to handle.

The steering works well and it’s an all round joy to drive (so I was told!). You can use it inside or outside, the choice is yours.

The Landrover Defender totally looks the part and will bring hours of joy to your child and hopefully hours of quiet to you – this is a must have Christmas present! I only wish I had one when I was a child!

The Landrover Defender – Classic Pedal Powered Car from Kids@Play is available now priced at £199.99.

You can learn more from the Kids@Play website and check out some of their other cool toys and gifts.

Two Minute Spoiler Free Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home

Andrew Edney
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Two Minute Spoiler Free Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home

It’s time for our short spoiler free review of Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Tom Holland returns as everyone’s favorite web-slinger in SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, the next chapter after Spider-Man: Homecoming. Our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plans to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks! Spider-Man and Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) join forces to fight the havoc unleashed across the continent but all is not as it seems.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME stars Tom Holland (Spider – Man: Homecoming) as Peter Parker, Samuel L. Jackson (Spider – Man: Homecoming) as Nick Fury, Jon Favreau (The Lion King) as  Happy Hogan, Zendaya (“Euphoria”) as MJ, and Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler) as Mysterio.

The Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download, and 4K Ultra HD release arrives filled with bonus materials for the whole family including a special short, alternate and extended scenes, gag reels and Easter Eggs! Additional special features include Teachers’ Travel Tips with Mr. Harrington and Mr. Dell and interviews with the cast and crew focused on stunts and location in The Jump Off and  Far, FAR, From Home. Explore how Spider-Man was introduced in the MCU in Stepping Up and get a closer look at the special chemistry between Jon Watts and Tom Holland in It Takes Two. Fans will want to dive into The Ginter-Riva Effect, Thank You, Mrs. Parker and Now You See Me features for more character focused details. The 4K Ultra HD also features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio.

In terms of the review, I really don’t want to say much as it’s supposed to be a spoiler free review. You really need to have seen Avengers: End Game and it would also help to have seen Captain Marvel as this movie takes place after the events of Avengers.

I really enjoyed Spider-Man: Far From Home even more than I enjoyed Homecoming. Tom Holland really has made the character his own, and he is my favourite Spider-Man, bringing that right amount of humour, vulnerability and action. And I’m really happy that Marvel and Sony have sorted their issues out because this movie really sets up the next one!

If you are Marvel fan, a Spidey fan or you just want to watch an enjoyable fun action packed movie, then Spider-Man: Far From Home is just what you are looking for.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME is available to own now on Digital Download, on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Review: Creative Outlier Gold Wireless In-Ear Headphones

Andrew Edney
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Review: Creative Outlier Gold Wireless In-Ear Headphones

It’s time for our review of the Outlier Gold Wireless In-Ear Headphones from Creative.

The Creative website describes the Outlier Gold as follows:

“With a battery life that surpasses even the Outlier Air, Creative Outlier Gold boasts an incredible 39 hours at 14 hours playtime per charge. It is also fitted with graphene driver diaphragm and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and AAC audio for detailed, well-balanced audio reproduction. Experience a whole new level of immersion with spatialized Super X-Fi audio, activated by Software Super X-Fi.”

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Outlier Gold in-ear headphones, manual, carry / charging case, different size ear bud tips and a USB cable.

A Closer Look

Super X-Fi

The Software Super X-Fi Processing Technology unlocks Super X-Fi headphone holography for local audio and music files through Bluetooth. By activating the SXFI App wirelessly on your mobile with the Outlier Gold, you can transform the SXFI App into a Super X-Fi MP3 player and enjoy cinematic audio even while on the go!

Installing the software is easy – just grab it from the app store of your choice.

Once you have configured the software you can play back your music from the app.

Just tap the Super X-Fi button to activate it.

Final Thoughts

The first thing you need to do is charge the headphones – they sit in their protective box (which is also the charging box) and you connect the cable to a power source. On the side of the charging box there are a number of lights showing the status of the charge, and which headphone is charging.

Creative claim that you can get 39 hours of use – this is split down by 14 hours when you first take them out of the charging box (when fully charged) and then an additional two full charges without having to connect the box back to a power supply. I found this to be a fairly accurate claim and there was no point that they suddenly ran out of power or I didn’t have enough power left in the box to recharge them. That said, it’s wise to charge the box (and the headphones) whenever you get an opportunity so that you don’t run out!

In terms of connecting them to a device that was very simple. What you do is connect either the left or the right headphone to your device via Bluetooth, and then once that has connected the other headphone pairs automatically with the other. It does look strange on your Bluetooth device list to see them listed as either L or R but it works fine.

Fitting the headphones are very simple – although they don’t quite block out a lot of noise around you, this is mainly due to the tips, so you might want to consider getting better tips for them. I actually found the tips that came with the headphones to not actually be that comfortable over extended periods, but when I replaced them it was fine. So really it’s going to be down to personal preference along with your specific ears as well!

Controlling various functions with the headphones were easy although there were occasions I had to press quite hard, which isn’t great when they are in your ears.

The microphone works very well, according to the people I called, just make sure to adjust the position in your ears.

You can use them with both Siri and Alexa, and that also works very well.

The Super X-Fi software was an interesting addition – setting up the app was easy – mapping your ears was a little more complicated and required the assistance of someone else. Once that was done it was really easy to use – just choose your locally stored music and either tap the button to switch it on or not.

All in all the Creative Outlier Gold In-Ear Headphones are a great set of wireless in-ear headphones coupled with Super X-FI, if you get a chance to test them for yourself you should, you never know, you might just buy a pair.

The Creative Outlier Gold In-Ear Headphones are available now priced around £94.99.

You can learn more from the Creative website.

Review: 70mai Car Jump Starter

Andrew Edney
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Review: 70mai Car Jump Starter

Here we review the 70mai Jump Starter for your car.

Specifications

– 600A peak current & 11,100mAh battery capacity: Jump start a 3.0L vehicle up to 40times on a single charge
– Eight intelligent functions to ensure users’safety & protect the unit from damage
– Designed for 12V vehicles with up to 4.0L gas, 2.0L diesel engines Cars, SUV, motorcycles, trucks & more
– Equipped with 5V/2.4A TYPE-C Output, to charge your smartphone, tablet or other electronic devices.

Who are 70mai?

From their website:

“Founded in 2016, 70mai is a Mi ecosystem company focusing on smart car electronics.
In 2018, more than 10 million 70mai dash cams were sold to 92 countries around the world.  70mai aims to show the maximum potential of vehicle intelligent products, providing safe, comfortable and networked driving experience to the world.”

What’s in the box?

The box contains the jump starter, cables, manual and a carry bag.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the battery in your car will stop working – there are many reasons this could happen. It’s happened to me, it’s probably happened to you at some point. When this happens you have a number of options – get a jump start from another car, have a large battery booster or call someone out. These are all valid options, but now you can also carry the 70mai Jump Starter around and use that.

The 70mai Jump Starter is about the size of a large smart phone. Charging it is as simple as connecting it to a power source. Using it is just as simple – you connect the cables to the  jump starter, the clamps to the battery terminals and then just start the car – it’s as simple as that.

70mai say that a single charge can start a 3.0L vehicle up to 40 times!

There is also an LED on the device which can you can use when the circumstances call for it – there’s also an SOS feature too!

You can also charge your smartphone or other devices from the jump starter too – just make sure that you recharge it afterwards.

This is a great little addition to your car – carry it around just in case, hopefully you will never need it, but if you ever do, it’s there to help you!

The 70mai Jump Starter is available now priced around $99 but is available today at around $52.99.

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